This year at Wilmington Friends, there are around 50 clubs, more than ever, including many new ones. Among these clubs is Arts and Activism. This club is a group of artistic students who create art to express their ideas on different issues. Last month’s theme was racial justice, and there were multiple drawings with this subject posted around the school. The club brings issues to life in a powerful way, and is a great way to get the community involved!

Ruth Hazzard ’19 is a member of the club whose racial justice piece was featured around the school this past month. She commented of the club: “I joined Arts and Activism because I thought it sounded interesting and something that I’d like. It was a good decision because it’s been even better than what I expected! I really like how art is combined with activism because together they make a bolder statement than if they were by themselves. Each month has a different theme and so far I think it’s been a very positive addition to our school!” Creating art and using it to share perspectives is a powerful action for the students to take because by doing so they can make a difference in the community.

Katrina Nix ’19 was also featured in last month’s racial justice theme. She remarked, “Arts and activism is an inspirational and powerful club that brings together art from our very own students with real life matters. I think this club is a great addition to our school community because it informs the community about things that matter in a creative and relatable way.” When students use art to get involved in important issues, they make these topics more “relatable,” and thus more engaging to their peers.

Cynthia Stan-Mellow is the faculty advisor of the Arts and Activism. She believes that the club is a positive contribution of the community because it helps raise awareness and concern on serious matters among the wider Friends School community. She explained: “The Arts & Activism club is an empowering direction in provoking awareness through the arts. The energy of this group is strong in the demonstrated participation through visual communication of the topics being addressed. This is an excellent avenue for students to make a difference in global issues.” When students go to this club, they can change the world for the better, even if it is only in a very small way.

Arts and Activism is a positive contribution to our community because it presents the issues that affect us in a compelling way, and allows students to express their creativity and get involved. The different themes of the month are an opportunity for the artists to share their voices, whether or not the issues directly affect them. Next day four, be sure to stop by the art room if you are interested in making a difference around the school. If you choose to go, you will have a chance to make a statement and help open people’s minds!